Rocket launch leads to calls for sanctions

A satellite that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea launched aboard a long-range rocket is orbiting normally, the Republic of Korea said on Thursday.

The ROK navy has launched a salvage operation in the Yellow Sea to retrieve the rocket's debris.

US tanks take part in a military exercise near the demilitarized zone between the ROK and the DPRK, in Paju, ROK, on Thursday. [Photo/Agencies]

Washington and its allies are pushing for punishment over the launch that they say is nothing but a test of banned ballistic-missile technology.

Seoul's Defense Ministry said the satellite launched by the rocket is orbiting normally at a speed of 7.6 km per second, though it's not known what mission it is performing.

DPRK space officials said the satellite will be used to study crops and weather patterns.

ROK Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said it usually takes about two weeks to determine whether a satellite works successfully after liftoff, citing data from the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD.

NORAD also said "initial indications are that the missile deployed an object that appeared to achieve orbit".

In Pyongyang, however, pride over the scientific advancement outweighed the fear of greater international isolation and punishment. Citizens clinked beer mugs and danced in the streets to celebrate.

"It's really good news," Pyongyang resident Jon Il-gwang told The Associated Press as he and scores of other residents poured into the streets after a Wednesday noon announcement to celebrate the launch by dancing in the snow. "It clearly testifies that our country has the capability to enter into space."

In Seoul, about 100 people held a rally to protest the launch, and burned a mock missile made of paper.